Editor’ Note: The Two River Times™ is a 2012 sponsor of “Paint the Town Pink,” an initiative presented by Riverview Medical Center to encourage annual mammography. Each week through May 12, the TRT™ will feature stories and blogs provided by Riverview Medical Center to encourage women 40 and older to have their annual mammograms.

As many of you are aware, the theme of this year’s Paint the Town Pink is “Men in Pink.” For 2012, the Pink communities have gotten to know several of the men who have supported Paint the Town Pink over the years such as Mark Arnone, the man behind the “Pink line” and Bob McKay, the man behind the “Pink lens.”

Breast cancer is traditionally thought of as a “woman’s issue” – and, by and large, it is. Yet that doesn’t mean a breast cancer diagnosis only affects women. In reality, the disease also impacts men, whether it’s their spouse, sibling, relative, or friend who’s battling it. As supporters of Paint the Town Pink who promote the importance of annual mammography, thousands of men over the past five years have made it their mission to get the word out about annual mammography and help others support the women in their lives.

Bill Rancic, author, entrepreneur and husband, will share his story of career, family and his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis.

A new supporter of Paint the Town Pink for this year is Bill Rancic. You may remember him as the first winner on television’s “The Apprentice,” or maybe you have come to love him as one half of the Giuliana and Bill duo on the Style Network. Whichever the case, you won’t want to miss a Paint the Town Pink exclusive coming up in just a few short days. Meridian Cancer Care in conjunction with Paint the Town Pink is excited to host a special event titled “An Unplanned Plan: An Evening with Bill Rancic.”

This will be an evening to remember at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 7 at the Count Basie Theatre in “Pink Bank” for an evening with Bill, author, entrepreneur, and husband. Bill will candidly share his story of his marriage and family, his career, and his wife’s recent breast cancer diagnosis, and all the unplanned things in life that happen when you are busy making other plans.

There are still tickets for sale through the Count Basie Theatre Box Office. General admission tickets are only $39. Also don’t miss the special VIP premium tickets for $100, which includes premium seating at the event, a meet and greet cocktail reception with Bill Rancic immediately following the event, and a special Paint the Town Pink gift bag. Order your tickets online at www.CountBasie Theatre.org or by phone at 732-842-9000.

Paint the Town Pink 2012 runs from May 4-12. For more information about Paint the Town Pink visit the website at www.PainttheTownPink.com and be sure to follow Paint the Town Pink on Facebook to see highlights of this year’s campaign and for a complete list of events and activities.